Travel Guides to Canada

2017 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CANADA

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IN THE LAND OF ICE AND SNOW "My country is not a country, it's winter." You'd have to live in Québec to truly appreciate the famous line from French Canadian singer Gilles Vigneault's song "My Country" ("Mon pays"). While cold, snowy days may seem to drag on for months, that hasn't stopped Québecers, known for their joie de vivre, from turning winter into a time for celebration. The centerpiece of the Québec Winter Carnival, a 17-day event in Québec City which begins in late January, is the magnifi cent Ice Palace—made from 300 lb. blocks of ice—which everyone enjoys exploring. Other must-sees include the international snow sculpture competi- tion and the night parades. Elsewhere, check out the ice canoe and dogsled races, try ice fi shing and have your photo taken with Bonhomme—the friendly snowman mascot ( www.carnaval.qc.ca). WINNIPEG'S INDIGENOUS EXTRAVAGANZA Lively singing, dancing and drumming are all part of the powwow, along with colourful and imaginative Indigenous regalia, from the elaborate feather headdress to beaded moccasins, and the jingle dress. Every year dozens of powwows take place in various parts of the country, but the one billed as the largest in Canada happens in Winnipeg during May. The Manito Ahbee Festival presents hundreds of dancers who compete for cash prizes in numerous categories, along with award-winning drum groups from across the continent. The event also recognizes the accomplishments of Indigenous recording artists and music industry professionals from around the globe, and features a marketplace and trade show. New to the powwow is the Music and Arts Program which includes a music conference and music showcase along with an art expo and traditional art competition with quillwork, beadwork, ribbon skirts and star-blankets. There is also a square dance and jigging competition in honour of the Métis community ( www.manitoahbee.com). BOLDLY GOING WHERE NO PRAIRIE TOWN HAS GONE BEFORE How did a quiet southern Alberta town with a population of 1,836 people become "the Offi cial Star Trek Capital of Canada?" Canada is a country of festivals. Whatever the season, there's a celebratory event going on somewhere. You'll fi nd harvest festivals in the fall, Aboriginal powwows starting in spring, carnival and ski and snowboard festivals in winter, plus theatre and music events all summer long. Here's a sample: CELEBRATE WITH US: CANADA'S VIBRANT FESTIVALS BY DIANE SLAWYCH CARNAVAL DE QUÉBEC 60

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